Applying Algebra
Let’s Explore Algebra
It is an area of mathematics that use letters in replacement of numbers to derive results for a given situation. This abstraction is the very reason why most people find algebra scary and too difficult to handle and it is the same reasons why some students find it fun to play around with. Algebra topics range by working through simple tasks such as factoring polynomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix. Most people get down to try Algebra by adding, subtracting, reducing and simplifying fractions . later on, they would move on to more advanced stages of solving algebraic equations using the least common multiples and converting fractions in to decimals.
Exponents and Radicals and Graphing Oh My!
There are many another higher level subjects. First there are powers. An exponent is the small number placed as superscript to a number or algebraic expression. An example is (x + y)3 where the 3 is the exponent and refers the power to which that number is raised. The above algebraic expression is expressed as, x plus y to the third power. While working with exponents you will oftentimes encounter exercises that require you to add, subtract, multiply and divide. If you pick up the fundamental principles, you will soon get down to working with rational and negative powers and if you think those are not challenging enough, hopefully complex number will spin your head. A radical, simply put, is the reversing of an exponent. Radical expressions are referred by the symbolic representation “V” and when placed beside number 4, it is read as square root of 4, which is equal to 2. The inverse of “V” symbol is “^” which denotes that the number it refers to is a multiple of the principle number. Therefore, 2^2 which is read as 2 to the 2nd power, equals 4. Moreover, exponents can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be changed into exponents and exponents back into radicals. If exponents and radicals aren’t enough, there is always graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and observing if the line is horizontal or vertical or neither. Another question to ask is whether the line has an x-intercept or a y-intercept Can you find the slope of the line? Once you master graphing lines, a whole world of circles, parabolas and hyperbolas awaits you!
Help is Available
While you are learning algebra if the terms and concepts seem too much to handle, relax and take a break. It’s time to look around because there exists a wide array of resources that is able to help you master the topic. Look for math tutors or software systems that will walk you through stepwise process on how to solve any problem. Know that frustration is not your only friend because any of these instruments can help you become an algebra guru in no time.
